Why We Love Best Medication For ADHD (And You Should Also!)
Why We Love Best Medication For ADHD (And You Should Also!)
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Best Medication For ADHD
Most children and teenagers who are taking ADHD medication find they concentrate better and are less impulsive. They also feel more calm and are able to get on with their school work. Some sufferers may experience a slowing of their growth or an increase in blood pressure or heart rate when taking these medications.
There are many different types of medication, including tablets, liquids, patches, and capsules (such as Daytrana). Adderall (methylphenidate) is the most popular stimulant. It is available as immediate-release dextroamphetamine, sustained-release dextroamphetamine and extended-release amphetamine salts.
Stimulants
Stimulants are a class of drugs that are effective in treating ADHD. These medications help improve concentration and attention by altering certain neurotransmitters in the brain, especially dopamine and norepinephrine. These are the chemicals that regulate the pre-frontal cortex, which is often called the brain's "secretary" because it assists with planning and organizational abilities.
Stimulants are available in both short-acting as well as long-acting dosages. The short-acting drugs are most effective between 30 and 45 minutes and should be taken twice or three times per day. Amphetamines, such as Adderall and Dexedrine, and methylphenidates like Ritalin, Concerta and Ritalin, are among these. Amphetamines may be a bit more powerful and last longer than methylphenidates, but both work in the same way to increase concentration and attention. Certain stimulant medicines are available in extended-release versions. They are the best choice since they last from 8 to 12 hours, and are generally taken only daily. Certain of these medicines are powders that you mix with liquids to make beverages, while some are pills.
Finding the right medication can take a while. Your doctor will observe your response to different types best medication for adhd of medication and alter the dosage if necessary. The use of medications should be done in conjunction with a comprehensive treatment plan, which will include behavioral therapy and support services.
Non-stimulant ADHD medications take a little longer to kick in but they can help you feel more in control and improve your ability to concentrate, impulsivity and focus. These medications don't alter dopamine or norepinephrine the same way that stimulants do, and therefore are safer to use for an extended period of time. They also have less side effects, such as constipation, heartburn, and decreased sexual drive. Strattera is the first medication that was approved by FDA to treat ADHD. It's a selective reuptake norepinephrine inhibitor. Your doctor might prescribe guanfacine, referred to as Intuniv or clonidine. These are both drugs within this category.
Off-label, non-stimulant antidepressants are also available to treat ADHD. These are older medications within the tricyclic antidepressant group, like Tofranil (imipramine). Doctors only recommend these drugs in cases where stimulants or other non-stimulants aren't working or cause too many side effects.
Your doctor may also prescribe atomoxetine (Prozac) or viloxazine (Risperdal). These medications don't have an immediate effect however they can reduce the impulsivity of people and increase concentration over time. They're in a different drug class from the other choices, and they can cause some adverse effects, such as shaky hands or headache. Your doctor might also recommend taking a low dose of an antidepressant known as bupropion (Wellbutrin), which is not an FDA-approved treatment for ADHD however it can help improve concentration and decrease the impulsivity. It can cause unpleasant but usually not severe adverse effects, including hearing ringing or changes in vision.